tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43259086957703774102012-01-05T07:56:54.067-08:00First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.comBlogger1421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-56455740312461362832012-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:002012-01-05T07:56:54.079-08:00

It’s a new year….2012 is here! As we begin a new year, most people want to start fresh – new year, new you. We write down New Year’s resolutions and then we do our best to stick with them – at least for awhile. It can be a very tough journey to stick to your resolutions, but it is worth the effort in the end to accomplish the goals you set out to achieve.Now let’s talk business and reflect back

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-57340003564268308912011-04-21T09:08:00.000-07:002011-04-21T09:08:37.209-07:00

You can get a return on your time investment through social networking. Learn how, as an ISO, agent or financial institution, you can use free marketing mediums like Facebook and Twitter to boost your bottom line. Listen to our latest podcast here: http://www.dailydashboard.net/uploads/FAPS%2024%20Social%20Networking.mp3

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-58260614130546430932011-01-17T08:25:00.000-08:002011-01-17T08:25:29.752-08:00

There are many ways to organize bank merchant services programs. In this podcast, we touch on First American's bank plans and how they benefit financial institutions and their commercial customers. Check it out!

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-13118746488573195852010-12-30T08:34:00.000-08:002011-09-13T08:18:26.937-07:00

Throughout my career, I have read countless books on leadership strategy and heard many CEO’s speak. As it relates to hiring, which I deem as the most important decision an organization makes, none have made as big of an impression on me as businessman and author Jack Welch’s “4 E’s and 1 P,” which are described in his book "Winning." Former Chairman and CEO of GE, Welch is a

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-30958707465801384802010-12-15T12:27:00.000-08:002010-12-15T12:28:47.941-08:00

Cody Yanchak Manager of Strategic Partnerships It seems that payment by phone technology is finally crawling into the United States, as we have adopted the “If you build it, they will come” philosophy. Japan and South Korea have been successful in popularizing mobile payments, with Europe beginning to reach saturation. As usual, America lags behind a bit in technology, waiting for the right

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-85507871860640802302010-12-08T13:45:00.000-08:002010-12-08T13:45:55.769-08:00

Jinni Touchstone Manager of Client Relations If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, people from the Millennial generation are from an entirely different solar system. That is not a bad thing at all, but hiring and retaining this group may require a few subtle adaptations. In fact, Millennials are so unique that industries on recruiting, training and interacting with them have popped up

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-76341995944870189712010-11-09T06:24:00.000-08:002010-11-09T06:24:48.691-08:00

Today we announce our new referral partnership with Parkway Bank, based out of North Carolina. Here's our press release: http://bit.ly/b3Lqzb

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-48158685504472582962010-11-04T08:36:00.000-07:002010-11-05T13:42:48.385-07:00

Jinni Touchstone Manager of Client Relations A Cultural Affair Habla poco español. Quiere hablar francés y alemán. She speaks a little Spanish. She wants to learn French and German, too. Oh, and her degree is in International Business. Jinni Touchstone, Manager of Client Relations, is driven to help and teach people on both a personal and professional level. And she’s willing to do what it

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-78079559853742661822010-10-28T08:07:00.000-07:002010-10-28T08:07:50.861-07:00

“Basis points” is an industry term thrown around all the time, and it’s necessary in understanding pricing. What are basis points, and how can you convert transaction fees into basis points and vice versa? First, a basis point is one hundredth of one percent. For example: 2 basis points can be expressed as .0002 or .02%. Basis points can represent increases (markups) or be converted into

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-49560135982497223432010-10-26T12:29:00.000-07:002010-10-26T13:58:09.462-07:00

Shawn Dillon Director of Sales My wife and I are remodeling our home. We’re doing this ourselves, and so far it’s working out well, but as expected, we’ve run into a couple of snags along the way. One of these snags had me thinking about the importance of seeing the big picture, planning and consulting experts. The Snag The question was whether to build a walk-in or reach-in pantry. In

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-80016450747729635762010-10-20T13:57:00.000-07:002010-10-20T13:58:04.858-07:00

Rita Smith Training Specialist You may have gotten into the business of merchant services sales because of the income potential. And believe me, making good money is definitely a tangible goal. However, being a new agent on the scene in the payment processing industry can be daunting – overwhelming. Learning the business isn’t easy, because there are so many products, services, technologies,

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-33022730814456805242010-10-18T06:42:00.000-07:002010-10-18T09:32:27.893-07:00

Customer Services Departments come in all shapes and sizes. How do you know what to look for when researching the support services your merchants (and you) will be receiving? We have posted a new podcast that explains it all. Look at the righthand sidebar under Latest FAPS Podcasts to listen to our most recent installment.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-58726412632417170992010-10-06T15:23:00.000-07:002010-10-06T15:24:09.964-07:00

Comment below with your answer and you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 iTunes gift certificate. Just put your first name and last initial if you are a current partner of ours. You have until Friday, October 15 at 6 p.m. CST.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-65131848919921594962010-10-04T08:15:00.000-07:002010-10-04T08:15:02.740-07:00

First American has used social networking to find prospects, connect with our current partners, run contests and promotions, etc. So we recently hosted a webinar designed to show people in the payment processing industry how they can use LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and blogs to grow their businesses. Click the link to check out this webinar.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-44856012638719171792010-09-28T14:08:00.000-07:002010-09-28T14:11:13.019-07:00

Rita Smith Training Specialist I was browsing WebMD the other day, trying to figure out an ailment I had (Don’t worry – nothing major.) and as I was checking off my symptoms, I thought, “These are my pain points.” And then I started thinking about how when you go to the doctor, you talk to him or her about your symptoms before you receive diagnosis or treatment. Of course, I had to apply this

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-43928124991801790972010-09-27T10:35:00.000-07:002010-10-05T06:42:28.219-07:00

This came from one of our partners, and well, it really got us thinking. Joyce de Guzman Client Relations Consultant “I was talking to a merchant, giving my pitch, and I asked her how she would like a 24/7 customer support department and a less than 30-second hold time. The merchant goes, ‘I’d say I already like it. I already have that with my payment processor,’ Then she just smiled smugly at

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-42870824277274348522010-09-23T06:51:00.000-07:002010-09-23T08:23:27.773-07:00

Like the great Kenny Rogers once said, “You got to know when to hold ‘em; know when to fold ‘em.” Vanessa Grinnell, Client Relations Specialist We think he would have been good in sales, because sometimes, to nail the sale, you have to say enough to interest the buyer without giving too much information or turning your pitch into an absolute bore. Introduce Yourself Make a (brief) strong

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-59012834147093236512010-09-20T08:48:00.000-07:002010-09-20T08:49:15.292-07:00

With the movie "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" coming out later this month, we want to know: What's your favorite movie about sales? Comment below with your answer and you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to your local movie theater. Just put your first name and last initial if you are a current partner of ours.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-40420177637755930142010-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:002010-09-14T08:02:12.259-07:00

Ever wanted to play pool at work? How about watch a little television? Companies with a focus on corporate retention will often create an environment too positive to pass up. I have been researching ways that companies can foster a corporate culture that keeps its employees coming back every day, and I would like to share some of that. Let’s go into how a company can retain its internal staff as

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-58216421362214692792010-09-10T07:48:00.000-07:002010-09-15T14:07:02.872-07:00

Stress. We encounter it every day, and I can’t help but notice that stress is often an underlying issue with some of my sales offices. The weak economy and unpredictable nature of a sales career can be overwhelming sometimes. So I’ve done a little research on stress that I hope will help our readers A) determine their stress levels, B) determine the causes and C) figure out how to relax. I hope

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-81395200132214186792010-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:002010-11-10T08:59:52.866-08:00

Fact: He met the pope once. Fact: He is an avid fan of The University of Texas Longhorns. Fact: He leaves no job unfinished. For Jason Putnam, success often lies in the follow-through. Jason, Director of Business Development at First American Payment Systems, finishes what he starts and holds his employees to the same standard. “Everything comes down to work ethic,” Jason said. “That is one

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-8428972612064308612010-09-01T11:55:00.000-07:002010-09-01T14:16:30.377-07:00

This article from Inc.com looks at employee motivation from a unique angle - the perspective of a summer camp worker who volunteered countless hours to help children who had lost relatives on 9/11. "Toporoff noted three key steps to getting motivated staff. They are 1) giving people a reason to participate by passing on your passion 2)managing expectations, and 3) being a role model. Sounds a

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-43377116434849658142010-08-23T06:56:00.000-07:002010-08-23T06:56:24.037-07:00

Like many sales agents and office owners who follow their career passions, Chrissy McIntyre, who records First American’s podcasts, has opted to walk a sometimes unpredictable path in pursuit of her dreams. McIntyre walks boldly and persistently through the doors of her aspirations, and as a result, she has embarked upon what she calls a “crazy cocktail” of ventures. You can listen to some of

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-71056267211792353282010-07-09T09:01:00.000-07:002010-07-09T09:01:17.567-07:00

If you haven't checked out the podcasts in a while, take a look at the righthand side of the blog for the latest updates. Our most recent topics include e-commerce, leasing vs. buying, ACH, FAPS advantages and the Pricing Model. For archives, click here. Happy listening!

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-55198996262348827762010-05-21T11:53:00.000-07:002010-05-21T12:09:05.916-07:00

The highly debated financial reform bill received mixed reviews (mostly negative) from IBAT, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. The Senate has passed the legislation, and because many of the issues presented would be detrimental to community banks if the bill is signed as-is, IBAT is urging members to contact the appropriate leader. Below is a portion of the letter being circulated by

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-73290738269557992362010-04-29T07:32:00.000-07:002010-04-29T07:32:14.619-07:00

We assume that if you are reading this blog, you know what an "ISO" is. But maybe you don't! Here is the definition, just in case: An Independent Sales Organization is a company that works with payment processors and banks to develop new merchant relationships who need electronic payment or ATM services. In our case, ISOs can take advantage of customer service, agent support, strategic

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-25416118014725605782010-04-12T13:26:00.000-07:002011-04-21T09:10:57.854-07:00

This is where our older podcasts live. We have created a very nurturing environment for them.Dressing for the Sale Overcoming Objections Cold Calling, Part 1 Cold Calling, Part 2 Understanding Buyer Types Scripting the Sales Pitch PCI Compliance Pricing Online Reporting Pricing Model: Forecast Your Income The FAPS Difference ACH (Recurring) Payments: FirstFund Leasing vs. Buying All About

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-16660982985887822662010-04-06T12:44:00.000-07:002010-04-06T12:44:23.104-07:00

Tomorrow is the day to spring into PCI action! Click the link below to learn more about how you can keep your merchants protected and what First American does to protect everyone from the company to the consumer. Strengthen Your PCI Understanding: Wednesday, April 7: 9 AM - 10 AM CDT

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-63258827128331923862010-03-31T13:16:00.000-07:002010-03-31T13:18:01.778-07:00

Push your processing knowledge to the limit with our upcoming webinar series. These webinars will get you in good shape to go out and attract and retain your merchants. The schedule is below. Start conditioning now! Strengthen Your PCI Understanding: Wednesday, April 7: 9 AM - 10 AM CDTPitch it in With Secur-Chex and FirstAdvantage Gift Cards: Wednesday, April 14: 9 AM - 10 AM CDTScore Big with

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-68908274175288488262010-03-01T11:04:00.000-08:002010-03-01T11:53:40.224-08:00

Our upcoming webinar on March 3 will help you get a better handle on ATM machine programs and what is involved in selling or leasing them. Here are a few things to think about in regards to making the call on whether to present ATM machines as an option to your customers: • Location: Is your merchant’s store in a pedestrian area, like downtown or in a spot frequented by tourists? • Surrounding

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-44144763299497682502010-02-26T07:10:00.000-08:002010-02-26T07:11:07.923-08:00

If you haven't already been introduced, here is our newest Client Relations Consultant, Vanessa Grinnell. Vanessa, along with others in the Client Relations Department, provides strategic growth assistance to our partners, as well as ongoing support, portfolio analysis and additional services aimed to help partners maximize their revenues. Client Relations provides value as First American signs

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-81619230378609157692010-02-25T13:17:00.000-08:002010-02-25T13:17:47.424-08:00

Just like everybody else, Gen Y customers need to establish trust with their banks. However, they are quite set apart from generations before in every other aspect. Their worlds – and their attention spans – are on the go, so how can you reach them, catch their attention, and retain them for any length? How They Spend Their Time* • An average of 3.5 hours is spent online. • Many live with their

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-14032692569974587532010-02-23T11:30:00.000-08:002010-11-10T09:02:05.456-08:00

Kevin Jones Vice President of Sales & Marketing Kevin Jones, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at First American Payment Systems, learned his most valuable leadership lessons while growing up on a Christmas tree farm. His uncles’ business began taking “root” when Kevin was a young boy, where he saw first-hand the time and hard work it took to transform it into a stable, profitable business.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-56993872572018073312010-02-23T09:47:00.000-08:002010-02-23T09:47:38.727-08:00

For those planning on attending tomorrow's webinar on enhanced pass-through, please note that it has been postponed. We will let you know when it is rescheduled. For more updates on webinars, contests, news, etc. stay tuned to Payment News Unfolded (and join us on Twitter and Facebook!)

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-55649318252756331132010-02-19T09:11:00.000-08:002010-02-19T09:33:23.127-08:00

The 2010 red Olympic mittens have quickly become the must-have accessory. Sold out everywhere, people continue to search for the cheerful cherry red mittens with the Canadian maple leaf on the palm – and who could blame them? Just like the oh-so-desired Olympic mittens, First American’s proprietary terminals have always and continue to be a huge hit. Each of them is specially designed for our

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-77878651969022495502010-02-17T07:57:00.000-08:002010-02-17T10:07:38.195-08:00

Are you or your merchants talking about any of the changes coming up because of the Credit CARD Act? Could this affect overall profit for businesses? We are thinking that if consumers are notified of an overdraft while at the counter, they may walk away without purchasing items, for example. Also, will chargebacks be affected? Consumers have 21 days to send their payments in, rather than 14.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-32293234913057217392010-02-17T06:20:00.000-08:002010-02-17T06:20:15.544-08:00

Perhaps it’s the barrage of complaints about interchange fees. Perhaps it’s the pressure from all sides to accommodate the public. Perhaps it is simply an act of independent will. Whatever the reason, MasterCard has let the slack out on some upcoming PCI regulations that will better minimize merchant complaints. Not only has the date been pushed back but the altered requirements may leave

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-82269664634957413202010-02-16T11:46:00.000-08:002010-02-16T11:46:15.344-08:00

If you would like to know more about equipment leasing, please plan on attending our free webinar tomorrow at 9 a.m. CST. We will be talking in detail about Merimac Capital, our equipment leasing product. Here is the link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/499360938

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-55806318782733129352010-02-16T06:16:00.000-08:002010-02-16T06:16:26.301-08:00

We couldn't let our high-achieving FAPS corporate employees go unrecognized on the blog, so here they are: Kim Leak and Shawn Dillon, recipients of the 2009 Pinnacle Award. Way to go Kim and Shawn! We appreciate your hard work and thank you for your continuous efforts to enrich not only your professional careers but our company success as a whole.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-43696275385454066252010-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:002010-02-09T08:23:19.974-08:00

Short on cash but want to do your part to help Haiti? Credit card companies and banks are making it easier than ever by allowing members to convert reward points into donations. An article in the New York Times lists several different companies with this capability, along with links to their donation sites. You can also text to donate a small sum of $10. Simply text the word “HAITI” and send

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-13315967124118541312010-02-08T06:33:00.000-08:002010-02-08T06:33:24.157-08:00

This webinar will cover where First American stands with PCI, our focus for 2010, the most common questions we get and how we address certain challenges. Whether you understand the ins and outs of security compliance in the payment processing industry or you have no clue what PCI means, this webinar will keep you in a very important loop. Please plan on attending, especially if you are a First

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-83581583709068500892010-02-05T09:33:00.000-08:002010-02-16T11:47:55.945-08:00

How do you measure the quality of an ISO? Whether you have been in the payment processing sales industry for years or you’re toying with the idea of it, there are a few things you need to know before choosing an organization (ISO) to work with. There are a few common problems in the industry: Residual rip-off. The ISO refuses to pay out your residuals, or they only pay when they are profitable

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-90697913354863897452010-02-04T06:37:00.000-08:002010-02-04T06:37:31.747-08:00

Getting a customer is great, but figuring out how to keep them for life is even better. The following ideas are not guaranteed to help you retain a customer, but they may help: Show appreciation. Send a handwritten thank you card to your merchants when they sign up with you and send a free roll of terminal paper, perhaps. You might also try sending a holiday card or a card after six months or a

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-48566692097650829142010-02-02T06:06:00.000-08:002010-02-02T06:06:07.252-08:00

According to popular folklore, if a groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if not, it will come out of its burrow, signifying the end of winter. While winter will end at the same time no matter what the groundhog sees, it seems this legend proves our perception often shapes our reality. If the groundhog misses its shadow, we may look forward to an approaching spring

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-78013700943942254672010-02-01T08:02:00.000-08:002010-02-01T08:02:34.227-08:00

What do you know about Daily Dashboard? Have you learned the full value of partnering with a payment processor that uses live, online reporting? First American is hosting a webinar that highlights our reporting tool, which has enhanced features that allow you to access merchant maintenance and processing information, retention updates, residual reports, and much more! Time: 9 a.m. CST on

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-62016167756260313372010-01-28T06:59:00.000-08:002010-01-28T07:10:12.780-08:00

Same story, different day. You hire an MLS (Agent) and expect him or her to last a very short time – one day in some cases. You write it off because in the end, your revenue more than covers the cost. What is that doing for your company’s image, though? How can you expect to be a trustworthy ISO when you are battered with merchant and Agent complaints online and on the streets? You cannot last

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-868924059422387322010-01-25T12:18:00.000-08:002010-01-25T12:49:07.652-08:00

Credit Card theft is happening all around the world and in the last decade credit card thieves are becoming slyer in ways to avoid law enforcement. Additionally, they are discovering ways to combat new security software just as quickly as it is developed.Even worse, credit card thieves are going international: They headquarter in one country, set up Internet addresses in others and steal credit

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-9204136999527106052010-01-25T12:14:00.000-08:002010-01-25T12:18:00.551-08:00

Credit card fraud is a huge problem, but our society knows so little about it. Here are a few terms to familiarize yourself with in that regard.Skimming- The theft of credit card information during a legitimate transaction. Many times it could be a disgruntled employee, like a waiter, taking information when the card is out of the owner’s site. Another form is a device put over a card slot of

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-47589603026053744402010-01-21T13:21:00.000-08:002010-01-21T13:49:33.448-08:00

Today, one of our ISOs completed the highest level of training. Comprehensively, training involves a total of more than 25 hours. To even get to the platinum level, one must first complete 15 hours of core training and an hour of recommended (advised) training.In this photo, Brandon New, Josie New and Bryce Coleman are receiving their Platinum Certificates from Client Relations Consultants Joyce

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-10387989520763053322010-01-13T07:52:00.000-08:002010-01-13T08:21:20.307-08:00

First American has big news. We just acquired a Canadian-based company, IATS, that is heavily involved in the non-profit sector of payment processing. Take a look at the press release to find out more! bit.ly/4BRl4N

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-53665600776636133092009-12-21T08:52:00.000-08:002009-12-21T09:10:40.118-08:00

You have done what you can to earn and keep your customers’ trust, but what image are you truly portraying?It is likely that, in part, your marketing materials are positioning you as a strong force in the marketplace. That perception, along with true health and responsibility, goes a long way.Have you looked around you, though, at those companies that are associated with you? Even if your

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-45361762049302832202009-12-11T09:28:00.000-08:002009-12-11T09:32:11.750-08:00

Everyone knows that eating all that turkey on Thanksgiving Day can make you sleepy. Then come the Thanksgiving leftovers, and next, the holiday parties where you are sure to indulge.The holidays may leave you feeling slightly sluggish from all the festivities, but with a few simple steps, you can make sure you don’t let this bleed over into your end-of-year work ethic, too.Here are some tips to

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-61073021064412169392009-12-09T11:55:00.000-08:002009-12-09T12:38:31.108-08:00

If you are following this series, you are now familiar with using both Twitter and blogs as a supplement or replacement for cold calling. Now we reach the third method you can use: Facebook.So popular, “Facebooking” has become a noun in pop culture, the site is perfect for casting a net over a broad spectrum of potential customers.According to a Nielsen report, the amount of time spent on

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-56218445019888148592009-11-23T06:53:00.000-08:002009-11-23T06:57:56.210-08:00

By now you have probably read how to use Twitter if you are looking to supplement cold calling, but there are a few other ways you can reach prospective customers online.A staggering 2/3 of the world’s population (that’s a broad reach!) was on social networking sites and blogs in 2008, according to a Nielsen report. Why not direct some of that traffic to yourself by becoming a resource via a blog

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-2444060827452280852009-11-17T06:37:00.000-08:002009-11-17T06:44:34.114-08:00

Cold calling can be an effective way to source customers, but it’s not for everyone, and it’s not always appropriate. And these days, cold calling is only one of many ways sales agents can connect with potential customers.Get online. When you decide to network online, you must go into it understanding that you will need to be on several sites and that they will be interconnected. It is hard to “

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-82292436701985694572009-11-11T06:42:00.000-08:002009-11-11T07:12:27.577-08:00

You may have heard of the four common consumer types or personalities: analytical, driver, amiable and expressive. How can you apply that to payment processing sales when you are at the merchant location?You need to be able to first understand and identify the personality type, get on that person’s level and close the sale accordingly.In this blog, we will address the expressive

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-58256203767876370502009-11-06T11:34:00.000-08:002009-11-06T12:30:25.882-08:00

Who knew there was symbolism behind Visa’s logo colors? Evidently, the gold represents the golden hills of California, where Visa’s legacy bank, Bank of America, was founded. The blue represents the sky.How about the dove hologram? In 1984, the bird began appearing on the card as a security feature. At the same time, Visa shrunk its logo, giving issuing banks the ability to customize the

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-2712218658294035172009-11-05T08:41:00.000-08:002009-11-06T12:58:38.900-08:00

As the economy begins its upward crawl, many banks are slowly waking up and peaking their heads out at new investment possibilities. For conservative companies, the possibilities will likely stay in the “maybe” category for a while before they move into the “yes” zone.Hammered by bad loans, rising default rates on consumer credit cards, slumping revenue from transaction fees and many other

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-5137561798513822002009-11-04T08:06:00.001-08:002009-11-04T09:22:35.975-08:00

Happy 40th birthday, Sesame Street, and happy 20th birthday, Wallace and Grommit!An article in Guardian.co.uk says about Sesame Street, "The educational show...certainly has legs..." In fact, the legs are so far extending that in several different countries, Google's homepage image features a different (or modified) Sesame Street character.However, in the UK, where Sesame Street is not as popular

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-65982302379980757662009-11-03T06:48:00.001-08:002009-11-03T06:52:05.029-08:00

Estimates state that by 2010, 17 million people will use mobile banking in some form or another. Some will use it to simply check balances; others may use it for transfer and bill pay. As a bank you can either adapt to the growing trend or potentially lose out on customers.What it all comes down to is opportunity cost. Will offering mobile banking help you attract and retain enough customers to

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-3208740201060100122009-10-29T13:52:00.000-07:002009-10-29T14:14:26.378-07:00

Once again, America will likely be lagging behind other countries in payment technology. While other country’s citizens are using their cell phones to replace credit cards, we will be watching on the sidelines while a barrage of industries haggles for input, and ultimately, control and money. According to an article in The New York Times, Japan has been using this technology for five years.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-60412863380516644392009-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:002009-10-26T09:30:16.451-07:00

You may have heard of the four common consumer types or personalities: analytical, driver, amiable and expressive. How can you apply that to payment processing sales when you are at the merchant location?You need to be able to first understand and identify the personality type, get on that person’s level and close the sale accordingly.In this blog, we will address the driver

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-70946468413600802162009-10-22T08:46:00.000-07:002009-10-22T08:47:56.271-07:00

Processors everywhere are buckling down on security, and many are now requiring their merchants to validate PCI compliance. This often requires instituting a fee to cover associated costs. Have you worked with processors who require merchants to validate compliance?If so, how have merchants reacted? Better yet, how have you reacted?If not, have you worried that your merchants would be breached,

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-72859615705374639122009-10-20T11:52:00.000-07:002009-10-21T07:10:18.882-07:00

You may have heard of the four common consumer types or personalities: analytical, driver, amiable and expressive. How can you apply that to payment processing sales when you are at the merchant location?You need to be able to first understand and identify the personality type, get on that person’s level and close the sale accordingly.In this blog, we will address the amiable

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-7142777846965915212009-10-20T08:24:00.000-07:002009-10-20T08:39:36.920-07:00

If your customer refers you to a friend or a colleague, but did not actually contact that person to introduce you, you have nothing more than a lead. A good referral is one in which you have been introduced to the potential customer by the existing, satisfied customer.Your chances are far greater of making a sale to the referred customer if the existing customer is involved. If someone they know

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-20528563029750067492009-10-15T10:30:00.001-07:002009-10-15T10:35:25.596-07:00

One of the basics of playing basketball is the follow-up. When you shoot the ball, follow it to the basket; that way if it does not go in, you have the opportunity to rebound and take a second shot.You can apply the same concept to sales. When you make the sale, you have the opportunity to follow up and get referrals.The timing of the follow-up is important. A new customer that has not received

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-33421507736177427952009-10-14T06:42:00.000-07:002009-10-14T06:47:43.118-07:00

The FDIC recently approved the development and establishment of the FDIC Advisory Committee on Community Banking. Community banking professionals couldn’t be happier.Community banks, bankers, and others are applauding the development of this committee and the possibilities it holds across the country.It will be interesting to see the effect that the committee has on community bank policies.One

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-38839971969702441942009-10-12T07:53:00.000-07:002009-10-21T07:12:44.752-07:00

You may have heard of the four common consumer types or personalities: analytical, driver, amiable and expressive. How can you apply that to payment processing sales when you are at the merchant location?You need to be able to first understand and identify the personality type, get on that person’s level and close the sale accordingly.In this blog, we will address the analytical

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-30568679054920086682009-10-09T08:15:00.000-07:002009-10-21T07:13:00.395-07:00

You have probably heard about the four buyer personality types: analytical, driver, amiable and expressive.This series will address each of those types and how you as a salesperson can identify, understand and approach potential customers based on the types.We will also pinpoint challenges to overcome when facing each type as well as how to make the sell.Subscribe to or follow Payment News

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-8148085314276849362009-10-08T06:49:00.001-07:002009-10-08T07:02:50.558-07:00

You have talked to merchants from restaurants, retail shops, online stores and everyone in between to convert them to your payment processing systems. Have you considered partnering with community banks?“Community banks are a largely untapped – but very willing – source of new relationships and revenue streams,” according to an article written in The Green Sheet.The article asserts that community

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-60560739101173956162009-10-07T07:36:00.001-07:002009-11-06T12:57:46.947-08:00

Now is the time for community banks to capitalize on their good fortune and earn merchant loyalty.An article in The Green Sheet, a payment processing publication, reported, “In 2008, the largest banks saw a 3.23 percent decrease in net loans and leases…while community banks experienced a 5.53 percent growth in both areas.”While small businesses are shying away from failing banks, they are

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-42701074924673443562009-10-01T07:25:00.000-07:002009-10-01T08:10:49.150-07:00

Twenty years ago, doing business on the golf course very likely included the closing of a big deal. However, as times have changed, so has the use of golf in business. Today, you may not seal a major deal, but you may decide if the person you are playing with is someone you want to work with. You may also end up making a friend.Why golf?Golf allows ample time to get acquainted or go in-depth into

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-14519244406424788602009-09-29T06:49:00.000-07:002009-09-29T07:26:08.219-07:00

When you meet Brian, you will be greeted with a warm smile. Talk to him for a few minutes and you will realize that humor plays a large role in his life. He is ready to have fun and keep things light, but when it comes down to business, he knows how to run a well-oiled machine.A highly-organized leader, Brian has been an asset to First American since joining the company in 2001. He is responsible

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-50268723906510473772009-09-28T08:46:00.000-07:002009-09-28T08:58:03.767-07:00

The interchange wars between merchants and banks continue as the government intervenes to settle the dispute. The battle is heated, and you, as a sales agent or ISO, are in the middle, dodging landmines.But do you even know you’re there? When you walk into a merchant location, do you realize today’s relevant issues and that you could potentially be seen as the enemy?Part of being a salesperson is

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-21325994599594218442009-09-25T07:13:00.000-07:002009-09-28T06:49:18.160-07:00

Over the last 12 months, more than 3 trillion dollars of available credit lines have been removed from consumers’ existing credit lines. This means that the 3 trillion dollars that were available to be spent are no longer there, and customers that may need to spend that money have to figure out a new way to find it or simply pay using another form of payment. This is where debit comes into the

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-17116699371109859672009-09-24T08:27:00.000-07:002009-09-24T08:53:49.207-07:00

In the interest of bolstering relationships with community banks and branches across Texas, First American recently joined the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.The trade association, organized in 1974 to promote the interests of independent banks, provides products and services to its member banks. As a service provider itself, First American is looking to network with these bankers and

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-11886405772223359022009-09-23T09:05:00.000-07:002009-09-23T11:19:35.196-07:00

Credit cards are used globally. Uniform in size and material, they’re as much a part of everyday life as cell phones and car keys. But just like cell phones and car keys, credit cards had humble beginnings.The use of credit cards and making purchases on credit dates back to the 1920’s in the United States. At that time, it was a simple relationship between the merchant and the customer and no

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-41859129652858678742009-09-23T06:58:00.000-07:002009-09-23T07:04:07.490-07:00

First American employees recently administered an informal test designed to survey how concerned individuals are with physical and online security. The results were unexpected.It turns out, when it comes to protecting identity and personal safety, most of the test takers were nonchalant. Two-thirds of all those tested indicated that they exercise a moderate to low level of caution.Questions were

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-17335640824907263652009-09-22T13:27:00.000-07:002009-09-22T13:32:41.836-07:00

Recent news coverage has shown great attention to the spiraling downturn of the government-funded company ACORN.Many of the stories being broadcasted are based on the debauched morals of ACORN employees and the advice they are offering clients. The videos and stories about the employees that have surfaced are undeniable, and the damage to the company’s image will be difficult to reverse.Whether

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-23439082278948485042009-09-22T07:36:00.000-07:002009-09-22T07:40:40.425-07:00

Balance, both from a professional and personal perspective, is what is critical to Mike Lawrence. While he takes seriously his technical responsibilities as Executive Vice President and CIO of First American, Mike understands that every technology decision must be made according to business need and overall value to First American.To achieve this balance in his professional life, Mike has married

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-30089547423262740492009-09-21T06:43:00.000-07:002009-09-21T06:49:51.706-07:00

Set your pitch up in segments.Step 1 – Uncover ObjectionsAfter the first short segment, ask about any objections (see Overcoming Objections Blog) or questions, and ask for the sale. If the merchant is not ready, go into the second segment of your pitch.Steps 2 & 3 – Repeat and EngageRepeat the steps of uncovering objections and questions and asking for the sale. If the merchant is still not ready

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-24046911461284914472009-09-17T13:45:00.000-07:002009-09-23T11:20:57.346-07:00

This is taken directly from ACI Worldwide's "Stopping Card Fraud In Its Tracks" report:Improve customer service and detection with auto alerting. Automated alerting of transactions, for example using SMS or auto dialing, enables the bank to contact customers when a transaction occurs that meets their pre-set parameters; such as when it is over a certain amount or outside their usual spending

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-84824180968866063522009-09-17T08:04:00.000-07:002009-09-17T08:18:35.615-07:00

First American was featured in a leading industry publication, ISO & Agent, for our new pricing model, which is a highly-innovative tool for profit forecasting. The article reads:First American Payment Systems, LP, a Fort Worth, Texas-based payment processor, says its online pricing-model tool enables its ISOs and their sales staff to gauge a merchant's revenue potential before signing the

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-67860498194354459522009-09-16T09:53:00.000-07:002009-09-22T07:41:11.315-07:00

There is a certain sincerity behind just about everything Rick Rizenbergs does. He genuinely cares about being the best leader he can, driven to work hard out of passion for his career and a deep devotion to his faith and family.“God calls us to work hard,” Rick said. “You have to pick up a shovel and dig as long and hard as you can and do it all again the next day. I take very seriously being

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-86920350350963665812009-09-15T06:50:00.000-07:002009-09-15T07:14:28.563-07:00

While consumers everywhere are busy safeguarding their online information, fraudsters are busy snatching credit cards right from under their noses.That’s right – physical theft is still more popular than online theft, according to the 2009 Identity Fraud Survey Report by Javelin Strategy & Research.The report asserts that by protecting the physical information on credit cards, consumers can

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-59557277293575120592009-09-14T09:05:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:09:14.249-07:00

Albert Gonzalez, 28, of Miami, pleaded guilty today to 19 counts of conspiracy, computer fraud, wire fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft relating to hacks into numerous major U.S. retailers including...Read more here.

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-75238806654517315192009-09-14T07:58:00.000-07:002009-09-17T09:40:02.585-07:00

Another important tactic to avoid overselling is to know your audience.ResearchDo your research before contacting the customer to find out what products or services are relevant to them. Trying to sell them something they do not need will just bore them and lose their attention.Budget for Their BudgetsSecond, be conscientious of people’s budgets. Some people only want the bare minimum; not the

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-20586115320335083712009-09-10T07:07:00.000-07:002009-09-17T09:39:45.244-07:00

Ever been on the receiving end of a 100mph pitch in baseball? It can be daunting, even for a major-leaguer. It is the same in sales: A fast and furious pitch may leave your customers a bit anxious.Deliver a Homerun PitchAs a sales person, you cannot throw a fastball and expect your potential customer to be at ease. You have to empower the customer by delivering at a comfortable speed.Prepare the

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-39227596401527216422009-09-09T07:51:00.000-07:002009-09-09T08:14:28.949-07:00

Most credit card processors that have bank partnership programs offer more than one option for a bank. It is important for a bank to consider all of its options to make sure the partner and the program complement the culture of the bank.The ability to choose a customizable program is important since banks are all structured so differently. Here are examples of different programs offered by

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-32924527181027673372009-09-08T08:18:00.001-07:002009-09-22T07:41:39.707-07:00

It’s almost a sure bet that when you talk to Howard Herndon, you learn something new. One of the most intelligent and interesting people to talk to, he is knowledgeable in a wide array of subjects.As First American’s legal representative (Executive Vice President and General Counsel), his vast knowledge greatly benefits the business. He tends to have a hand in almost everything happening at the

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-89479519790110644452009-09-01T11:34:00.000-07:002009-09-01T13:52:46.111-07:00

The ConflictYou know the story. It is repeated over and over in businesses all across the country. You have finally landed that big customer that you worked so hard to win. Now it’s time to modify the contract to reflect those heavily negotiated deal terms.You (to lawyer): I just need you to plug in these terms and we can get this signed. The customer is ready to launch and I really need to get

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-22855104626692192012009-08-28T08:09:00.000-07:002009-08-28T08:12:28.330-07:00

(CNN) -- Federal authorities have identified a suspect in the armed robberies of 10 banks in four states, crediting surveillance photos they posted on electronic billboards throughout the South.The FBI says this surveillance image shows Chad Schaffner, who they say robbed at least 10 banks this year.Chad E. Schaffner, who was released from Indiana's prison system last year following an armed

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-75844066701938552682009-08-27T06:51:00.000-07:002009-09-22T07:46:05.119-07:00

How do you tame a den of lions? Show them respect. That is Debra Bradford’s approach to life; an approach that has proven to work thus far.Debra, President and CFO of First American Payment Systems, gives everyone – from lions to lambs, from the executive team to the lowest man on the totem pole - her undivided attention in conversation. Breaking every stereotype that exists about CFOs, Debra

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-17244330166580368872009-08-24T07:23:00.000-07:002009-08-24T07:40:48.183-07:00

Payment processing: For a bank, it’s not exactly known as the big bread winner. Banks are (understandably) more concerned about products and services that directly affect the bottom line than ancillary services like payment processing. Perhaps you have been processing with the same company for years without giving it much thought.Did you know that payment processors can impact your customer base

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-71358664645039670562009-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:002009-08-21T07:52:41.107-07:00

In conjunction with Trustwave, our new program is designed to help merchants become - and stay - PCI compliant. Here is the link to our press release: http://bit.ly/70Bcy

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-147169641280981312009-08-18T12:53:00.000-07:002009-09-22T07:46:28.932-07:00

For Neil Randel, Chairman of the Board and CEO of First American Payment Systems, running a company is definitely not a one-man show. It is an intense, conscientious collaboration among trusted colleagues.That is why Neil is very careful with whom he surrounds himself. While First American is built on a solid history of careful planning, Neil values a diverse executive team that can respectfully

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-88471234051907266442009-08-18T06:41:00.000-07:002009-08-25T09:57:42.006-07:00

From ISOs to merchants, it is imperative to work with a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). QSAs are data security firms that have been trained and certified by the PCI Security Standards Council to perform on-site security assessments for verification of compliance with PCI DSS.As an ISO, agent or payment processor, it is vital that you protect your business by ensuring that your merchants are

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-15957607456333346522009-08-10T08:20:00.000-07:002009-08-14T13:54:26.923-07:00

You may be throwing thousands of dollars into advertising for your bank, but word on the street is that peer referrals are the real business boosters. According to a research report by RKM Bank Advocate, customers’ emotions dictate their behavior and willingness to spread the word. Make your customers happy and they will use more of your ancillary products and services and keep their deposits and

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-52190337274860913962009-08-07T12:42:00.000-07:002009-08-07T12:48:52.075-07:00

As merchants work to comply with PCI (requirement 9), they must be able to distinguish between employees and visitors in large settings in order to protect cardholder data. There are several ways this can be done, aside from mandating employee uniforms.• ID badges with optional color coding and built-in employee data• Engraved nametags• Require visitors to sign in and/or wear badges.• Install

First American Payment Systemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14590338216160499790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325908695770377410.post-54729380488857513872009-08-05T09:04:00.000-07:002009-08-05T10:01:45.724-07:00

Assigning every user on a payment system a unique user ID is not only mandatory, it’s just good security measure. When each user has his or her own ID, businesses can trace every action to a specific worker.Here are the steps:1. Assign users a unique username before they access the system or data.2. Use at least one of the following tools to authenticate each user: password or passphrase; or

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